Teen sought in string of home invasion robberies

Police say Raul Ortega and Joel Meeks tie up, then rob their victims

Albuquerque police said two teens are responsible for a string of violent home invasion robberies.

The first happened Jan. 13 in a home within the Mountain Run Apartments in Northeast Albuquerque.

Police said Joel Ortega and Joel Meeks, both 19, tied up and gagged a resident. Police said the two suspects through the victim, 44, in a bathtub, then robbed him.

"I didn't even know about that," said Corina Schmidt, who lives within the complex.

She said she's shocked the building's management didn't alert her to the security breach, particularly since Raul Ortega remains at large.

"They usually put up all kinds of announcements up by the mailboxes. I think they should at least alert us," Schmidt said.

Police said they were alerted to the home invasion shortly after 5 p.m. That's when they allege Ortega and Meeks forced their way into the home, assaulted the victim and stole his debit card and cellphone.

The building's management did not respond to a request for comment about security in the complex. A person close to the investigation said the victim moved out of Mountain Run Apartments the day after the robbery.

Then on Jan. 17, police said Ortega and Meeks struck again at another man's home. This time, beating up their victim, 41, and putting him in a "hog-tie" with duct tape. The teens stole the man's car, debit cards, and an iPhone 4.

Meanwhile the search continues for Ortega. Police said he, like Meeks, will face a long list of charges including kidnapping, armed robbery and fraud.

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